Cruise Industry News and Trends

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the cruise sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on cruise operators, ships and their use of technology.

The cruise industry is navigating a new era defined by technological innovation, evolving traveler expectations, and global sustainability demands. At PhocusWire, we cover the latest cruise industry news and trends—tracking how cruise lines are modernizing operations, enhancing guest experiences, and leveraging digital tools to reshape maritime tourism.

Cruise line updates, maritime tourism trends, and industry analysis

Stay current with fleet announcements, itinerary strategies, and onboard technology transformations. From AI-driven personalization to frictionless boarding and next-generation entertainment, cruise companies are investing heavily in digital and operational enhancements to meet changing customer demands. Our coverage also explores how the cruise sector is aligning with broader travel trends, including sustainability and wellness.

How VPNs create exceptional guest experiences and generate new revenue
From Our Partners / Technology
How VPNs create exceptional guest experiences and generate new revenue
By Norton | November 20, 2025
VPN technology can address key security pain points for travelers, helps improve the guest experience and can provide significant business benefits for the hospitality industry. Read More
AI at sea: How cruise lines are turning generative tech into practical tools
News / Technology
AI at sea: How cruise lines are turning generative tech into practical tools
By Marisa Garcia | November 13, 2025
Cruise lines are increasing AI use, exploring marketing automation, guest personalization and data integration. Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026: Bonafide
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026: Bonafide
By PhocusWire | November 10, 2025
Bonafide is an alignment platform that helps travel brands make their content understandable, discoverable and actionable for generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT, Gemini and... Read More
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026: Cruisebound
Interview / Startups
Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026: Cruisebound
By PhocusWire | November 10, 2025
Cruisebound is modernizing cruise bookings by offering a mobile-first, personalized experience for travelers. Read More
Buy now, pay later provider Upgrade lands $165M investment
News / Distribution
Buy now, pay later provider Upgrade lands $165M investment
By Linda Fox | October 16, 2025
The company offers BNPL and other credit options to consumers, having acquired Uplift (now Flex Pay), a BNPL provider in travel, two years ago. Read More
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
News / Online
RateGain to acquire Sojern for $250M
By Morgan Hines | October 2, 2025
The companies aim to create an AI-focused, digital marketing and distribution platform to help the travel industry boost guest acquisition, retention and engagement. Read More
Royal Caribbean CEO opens up on AI use
News / Technology
Royal Caribbean CEO opens up on AI use
By Morgan Hines | September 23, 2025
Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, shared that AI is being used in “everything we do" at the cruise line. Read More
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
From Our Partners / Online
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
By Zartico | September 9, 2025
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical insights to help travel marketing executives protect market share, stay relevant and prepare for... Read More
Using travel marketing intelligence to multiply ROI
From Our Partners / Online
Using travel marketing intelligence to multiply ROI
By PhocusWire | September 9, 2025
In the final installment in Zartico’s video series, co-founder and chief innovation officer Jay Kinghorn outlines the core challenges of trying connect online ad activity with offline visitation. Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SITA, Oracle, Radisson and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: SITA, Oracle, Radisson and more...
By PhocusWire | September 5, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
From Our Partners / Online
How marketers are fusing data science with real traveler behavior
By PhocusWire | August 26, 2025
Zartico executives explore how travel marketers can use data science to close the loop between marketing investment and real-world revenue. Read More
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
News / Online
Travel Tech Flashback: What made headlines in 2020?
By Abby Crotty | August 26, 2025
As part of our Travel Tech Flashback series, we took a look at 2020, otherwise known as the year that changed travel forever. Read More
Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025
From Our Partners / Online
Decoding online shopping: Travel and hospitality consumer trends for 2025
By AB Tasty | August 18, 2025
Find out where consumers get inspiration for new travel plans, what leads them to abandon their cart or booking, what types of AI tools can make the online experience easier and more.   Read More
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Navan, Qatar Airways and more...
News / Technology
PhocusWire's weekly travel tech news briefs: Agoda, Navan, Qatar Airways and more...
By PhocusWire | August 15, 2025
Keep up with all the latest people, partner and product news from around the global travel industry. Read More
Freedom, flexibility and transparency: What Gen Z travelers really want and need
News / Online
Freedom, flexibility and transparency: What Gen Z travelers really want and need
By Abby Crotty | August 13, 2025
Gen Z is adventurous and spontaneous, and their travel booking preferences reflect these preferences. Read More
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